LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical's news is designed with the custom car, truck, and motorcycle enthusiast is mind. You'll find vehicle reviews, accessory reviews, and even clothing, t-shirts and more. See restoration projects and get tips from the pros on do-it-yourself projects. Links to the best priced accessories, the hottest trends, and highest quality auto and motorcycle parts and accessories.

Pages

Return To LDJ Auto Body Website

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Custom Ordered Cars – Worth the Hassle?

Most buyers get
their hands on a new car in the same way. That is, they drive down to their
dealership of choice, choose the car they want, go through the purchase process
and then drive away in their new ride. Of course, it’s not always this simple.
Some would-be owners find that they just can’t seem to locate the car they want
anywhere, on any dealer lot. Automaker websites show a variety of unique colors
and package options that might not be available in your area. What are you to
do? Custom ordering is the answer, but is it really worth it?

What Is Custom
Ordering?

Custom ordering a
car is exactly what it sounds like. And, contrary to what you might have been
told, it is possible, and it’s available from virtually all automakers.
However, it’s not as cut and dried as just sending in an order form and then
driving off in your new vehicle when it gets delivered to the dealership. Also,
don’t believe the hype that custom ordering costs more – you can get the same
pricing on a custom ordered car as one the dealer has on the lot (you might
sacrifice some negotiating power, though). There are a few things you need to
know.

Some Dealerships
Balk

First, you’ll find
that while the automaker might be happy to supply you with a custom ordered
automobile, the dealership you choose might not be so happy about it. There’s a
good reason for this. If you don’t like the car when it arrives and cancel the
order, then they’re stuck with a car that was tailored for you and will have very
little chance of selling to someone else. However, custom ordering is possible,
so if this is what you want to do, stick to your guns and find a dealer willing
to help. Be prepared to put down a significant deposit, though.

Is It Right for
You?

While some folks
might be fine driving whatever they find available or what’s most popular on
the market, some drivers aren’t willing to compromise. Perhaps you want a
specific color or trim option. Maybe you want a unique set of wheels coupled
with a different interior choice. Regardless – custom ordering is the way to
go.

Of course, you’ll
need to exercise patience here. Custom ordering takes time – usually a pretty
good chunk. Most automakers require 8-12 weeks to deliver a custom order, and
that time can be increased depending on a variety of factors. So, if you’re
hoping to put in your order and have your car in a week or two, it’s time to
rethink that stance. If you can wait that long, then go ahead and order, but if
the thought of waiting a minimum of two months doesn’t work for you, it might
be time to reconsider compromising on what you want.

A Few Notes

While placing an
order with a willing dealer is really all there is to the process, there are a
few things you need to bear in mind. First, make sure you’re working with a
good dealership. They’re going to be integral here, and you want a company
you’re happy to work with. Second, make sure that the deposit the dealer
requires is refundable – this protects you in the case that you change your
mind about the purchase. Finally, make sure you get everything in writing from
the dealer, from the options and paint to the promise of your deposit being
refundable. Without proof in writing, it’s just your word if something goes
wrong so take the time to ensure that you’re protected.

Custom ordering a
car can be a very good thing for buyers willing to exercise patience, but it’s
certainly not a process that’s ideal for everyone.

Don Elfrink is the
owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out
Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore Elfrink was the operator of a
automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on all-weather, logo, carpeted
and molded car mats.

We love hearing your comments! Please do not add links to pornographic sites or gambling sites. THEY WILL BE DELETED ALONG WITH YOUR COMMENT. Adding phone numbers or "physical" addresses to comments will get your comment deleted. Feel free to backlink to your site or blog, but, when doing so, make sure your content is relavent to our blog posts which mean, it MUST be "automotive" related. Spamming will not be tolerated.

Thanks for reading and we look forward to hearing from you! -Larry and Dee Blackman, LDJ Auto Body, Gibsonton, FL.